New Delhi: ITO flooded, Kejriwal directs officials to seek help from Army

New Delhi, July 14, 2023: The bustling ITO crossing area in New Delhi, known as the busiest traffic intersection in the capital, has been severely flooded due to a breakdown of a drain regulator amidst rising water levels in the Yamuna River. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal confirmed the cause of the flooding through a tweet, announcing his directive to officials to seek urgent assistance from the Army and disaster relief forces to address the breach.

Chief Minister Kejriwal expressed concern over the situation, stating that the breach is responsible for the widespread flooding in the ITO area and its surroundings. Despite overnight efforts by engineers to rectify the damage, water from the Yamuna River continues to enter the city through the breach. Kejriwal plans to personally visit the affected area, which serves as a vital link connecting key parts of Delhi.

The regulator of drain number 12, located between the Indraprastha bus depot and the WHO building on Delhi’s Ring Road, broke down around 7 pm on the previous day. This led to backflow in the drain, diverting water from central Delhi towards the Yamuna River and resulting in the inundation of the ITO and adjacent areas.

Delhi Health Minister and Delhi Jal Board Chairman, Saurabh Bharadwaj, tirelessly attempted to address the issue throughout the night but encountered challenges in resolving the situation.

In addition to the flooding, loose electric wires in the ITO area pose another serious concern. Pedestrians have reported electric shocks from the metal fence on the road divider, necessitating barricades to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded area. Power supply to electric poles has been temporarily cut off to mitigate the risk.

The water level of the Yamuna River at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) has surpassed the danger mark, reaching 208.40 meters as of 9 am. The release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana, coupled with continuous heavy rainfall, has resulted in the river spilling over into parts of Delhi, despite earlier assurances from the Delhi government that it was adequately prepared to combat potential floods.

Authorities hope that water levels will recede today, with the Central Water Commission predicting a decrease to 208.30 meters by 1 pm.

To manage the crisis, the Delhi government has taken several precautionary measures, including the closure of schools, colleges, crematoriums, and water treatment plants. The situation demands immediate action and collaborative efforts to mitigate the flooding and ensure the safety of affected areas.